Weekend Report: Royal Ascot’s World Pool surge, South African lottery accusations, Romanian celeb ad ban
Welcome to the Weekend Report, where iGB looks at the news that you may have missed across the last few days.
This week: World Pool bets on Royal Ascot were up 10%, controversy continues to dog South Africa’s lottery licence award and Romania has changed its advertising rules.
World Pool up at Royal Ascot
World Pool bet types for Royal Ascot 2025 were up 10% from 2024, rising to HK$1.57 billion ($200 million) for the five days.
Including a record-high on Wednesday of HK$330.7m, the most bet on the second day of the meeting since the inaugural World Pool meeting at Royal Ascot in 2019, turnover was up year-on-year every day.
Turnover at the 2022 meeting remains the highest at HK$1.61 billion, approximately 2% higher than this year’s level. In 2025, punters from across the globe were able to access commingled pools on the event for the seventh consecutive season.
Sam Nati, head of commingling at the HKJC, said: “In terms of quality, quantity and competitiveness, the fields were fantastic all week. There was also some good international representation, both in the horses running and the jockeys taking part, so it was a good mix of key factors for both local and overseas punters.”
Tycoon defends SA lottery link
South African tycoon Moses Tembe has dismissed accusations that a consortium he headed was awarded the country’s next National Lottery licence contract due to political influence.
Concerns have been raised about Sizekhaya Holdings’ links to South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Bellamont Gaming, a company owned by Tembe and Mashatile’s wife’s sister, Khumo Bogatsu, has shares in Sizekhaya.
However, Tembe told Times Live that Bellamont has a minimal share of Sizekhaya stock.
Tembe added: “We have indicated previously that Sizekhaya [Holdings] won the right to operate the fourth national lottery licence because of the strength of our bid, the deep knowledge of gaming that we bring to the table, our pledge to propel the lottery to new heights by generating more money for the government, for good causes and for players.”
Romania bans celebs from gambling ads
Romania’s National Audiovisual Council (CNA) has banned celebrities from appearing in gambling promotions.
CNA members unanimously approved the ban during a public session on Thursday.
They amended the Audiovisual Regulatory Code to prohibit celebrity appearances in gambling ads on TV, radio and online platforms.
Romanian outlet PaginaDeMedia published the updated wording of the regulation. The new rule states: “It is prohibited to broadcast gambling ads featuring public, cultural, scientific, or sports personalities.”
Gambling ads previously featured celebrities such as footballers Florin Răducioiu and Ilie Dumitrescu and singers Antonia and Alex Velea.
Kaizen to sponsor CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina 2025
Kaizen Gaming has been named as official sponsor of the CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina 2025.
Hosted in Ecuador in July and August, the tournament will bring together South America’s 10 women’s football teams.
The sponsorship of CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina 2025 is part of Betano and CONMEBOL’s broader partnership, which started with the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 and extends through 2028.
Alejandro Domínguez, president of CONMEBOL, said: “Having Betano’s support encourages us to continue raising the level of the tournament and to provide more opportunities for our athletes to shine on the field and keep leaving their mark both on and off the pitch.”
F1 and Allwyn launch community award
Formula 1 and lottery operator Allwyn have announced the launch of the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award.
The programme will spotlight community-focused initiatives across the world of Formula 1 to showcase their positive impact on society. As well as global recognition, winning initiatives will each receive a €100,000 donation from Allwyn to further transform communities around the world.
Winners must demonstrate a meaningful contribution to society away from the racetrack, which could include advancements in education, culture, well-being or sustainability. For each race, the local promoter will identify Formula 1-linked community initiatives run by teams, partners and media that have had an impact in their country.
Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive of Formula 1, said: “We will give the local initiatives that go the extra mile for making their communities and make the world a better place the recognition and global platform they deserve.”